Beer of the Week: Bollocks ESB from Crucible Brewery

Bollocks ESB, Crucible Brewery, Everett

Style: English Special Bitter

Stats: 5.2 percent ABV, 35 IBU

Available: On tap at the brewery

My thoughts: It seems weird to say now, especially with Red Hook’s ESB dominating craft beer culture here in the 1990s and early 21st century, but true, traditional ESBs are a bit of a unicorn in the Pacific Northwest craft beer world.

Crucible head brewer Dick Mergens has an extensive history with ESBs. He worked for a year at Red Hook and has plenty of experience brewing the classic English-style ale. In fact, when Mergens released his ESB as a test batch a few months ago, he was good-naturedly accused of a little thievery.

Funny thing is the beer bears only a slight resemblance to the Red Hook version. Mergens said besides one malt, every ingredient in the two beers’ recipes is different. Bollocks ESB shines a light on the London Ale yeast Mergens used, as opposed to the hoppier Red Hook ESB.

Mergens used classic English malts, including Maris Otter, and East Kent Golding hops to make the beer. Like many traditional English “bitters,” the beer is actually fairly light on the IBUs, making it quite comical to think what 19th century Englishmen would think of our Pacific Northwest triple IPAs.

After hearing some rave reviews following the release earlier this year, Mergens decided to bring it back and put it on regular rotation. It’s a very balanced beer and, at 5.2 percent ABV, very drinkable.

Crucible, Middleton Brews and Lazy Boy Brewing are participating in an Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl on Dec. 23. Visitor can get their card punched at all three locations if they’re wearing a hideously ugly Christmas sweater and enjoying beer to win prizes.

From the brewery: “An ESB made in the traditional style with all English malts and East Kent Golding hops. Great amber color, nice fruity character and earthy hop notes.”

More new releases

Gingerbread Mistletoe Bliss, Lazy Boy Brewing: Everett brewery adds some gingerbread to its annual Christmas treat. On tap at the brewery.